A Christmas Story (1983)

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Remember that cult horror classic for the holidays that has been re-made, time and time again, called 'Black Christmas?' Remember how unnerving that whole film was? Remember thinking that someone hiding out in your house could be a very real scenario? Well, after that extra special holiday classic (which still stands out as a great, classic horror flick), director Bob Clark made another Christmas movie, this time, changing gears completely. The man now has two holiday classics under his belt, in two very different genres.

In recent years, certain things about this movie have been pointed out as "offensive" to some; namely the Chinese restaurant scene (which I'll get to later). But so help me, I won't budge on how awesome this movie is, and how much of a classic it has become over the years, not only to my family, but so many others. It's arguably the Christmas classic comedy about family without a 'National Lampoon' credit. But above all else, its the realistic relatability that make this such a gem in peoples' eyes.

It's Christmas, in 1940, and all Ralphie (Peter Billingsly) wants for Christmas is a "Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-shot Range Model air rifle with a compass in the stock and this thing which tells time." In short, the movie is very much about Ralphie trying whatever it takes to get one under his family's tree in time for Christmas Day. He tries everything from bribing his teacher for good grades, to brown-nosing to his parents a bit, and of course, asking Santa. But generally, their response is the same; "you'll shoot your eye out."

While the central plot unfolds, the rest of the story reflects this time of year in a kid's eyes. Not only does it cover Christmas, but also how the school yard treats him and his friends, Schwartz (RD Robb) and Flick (Scott Schwartz). This includes your average bullies, Skut Farcis (Zack Ward) and Grover Dill (Yano Anaya), and certain school yard no-nos, like licking a pole to see if your tongue sticks. But perhaps most importantly, it covers the rest of Ralphie's family, and their own holiday stresses.

Ralphie's Dad (Darren McGavin) is a strict war veteran, who becomes obsessed with an obscene lamp. His brother, Randy (Ian Petrella) is the typical little, entitled, whiny brat who he still has to try to be a good and patient big brother to. But perhaps worst is his Mom (Melinda Dillon), who actually sees eye-to-eye with Ralphie the most, but is still the one most opposed to him getting that gun for Christmas. With her, matters fro Ralphie's big Christmas wish come off as hopeless.

Going back to the Chinese Restaurant scene, the offence comes from some of the waiters singing rather stereotypically. But while that part of the scene is fact, one should bear in mind two things. One, the head waiter, also Chinese, is speaking plainly, and trying to teach the rest how the song goes properly. Second, I've honestly always seen this scene as just an act on their part - done very purposely for a laugh from the family. I'm not here to step on any toes, but I'd urge people to try to treat that scene as such.

In the end, this is still a Christmas classic I hold close to my heart. It offers a hell of a lot of genuine laughs, but also offers a hell of a lot of genuine heart. While a lot of it is about family dysfunction, a lot of it is about how the family comes together on Christmas Day, and the magic that takes place that glorious morning, especially in the eyes of a kid. If you haven't seen this one yet, and you're looking to see a true holiday classic for the first time, in my humble opinion, this one's one of the best!

5/5

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